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H888 · Hebrew · Old Testament
בְּאֵשׁ
Besh
Verb (Aramaic)
To be bad / displease

Definition

The Aramaic verb besh (בְּאֵשׁ) means to be bad, evil, or displeasing. It appears in the Aramaic portions of Daniel and is the equivalent of the Hebrew ra'a (H7489). The term is used to describe that which is evil, displeasing, or morally bad in character or outcome.

Usage & Theological Significance

In Daniel 6:14, the word describes King Darius's deep displeasure when he realized Daniel had been trapped by the conspirators' law — he was greatly distressed and set his heart on rescuing Daniel. The passage illustrates how even pagan rulers could recognize righteous injustice and desire to correct it. Theologically, God's redemption of Daniel despite the king's inability to reverse his own law prefigures the Gospel: what the Law cannot fix, God's grace accomplishes. The evil of human schemes cannot thwart God's purposes for the righteous.

Key Bible Verses

Daniel 6:14 When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him.
Daniel 3:22 The king's command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
Ezra 4:15 That a search may be made in the records of your predecessors. In these records you will find that this city is a rebellious city, troublesome to kings.
Daniel 2:12 This made the king so angry and furious that he ordered the execution of all the wise men of Babylon.
Daniel 6:23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

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